WARNING: This story contains discussion of intimate partner violence. Brett Broadfoot never imagined fighting against intimate partner violence would become such a focal point in his life. The London, Ont.
, father admits he didn't know much about the issue and its prevalence until his daughter was killed last month. Now, Broadfoot and his family have made it their purpose to advocate for survivors and victims. "Everybody in this situation needs a voice and I don't think there's been a loud enough voice out there to protect people experiencing intimate partner violence," Broadfoot told CBC News.
"We want to get that stigma away and help anybody that we can so they don't have to feel what our family feels." Breanna, 17, died in hospital on July 18 — two days after she was stabbed at a home in east London in a case police linked to domestic violence. An 18-year-old was shot by police, who say he had confronted them with a knife, and later died in hospital.
'Love shouldn't hurt': Vigil for slain London, Ont., teen puts focus on preventing domestic violence Since her death, Broadfoot said, the family has worked at learning more about the signs of intimate partner violence and resources available to those looking for support or to leave their relationships. The family has also started a foundation in Breanna's name to raise funds for victims services and women's shelters.
"We've learned that a lot of people experiencing intimate partner violence are embarrassed. They don't know w.